Guide Sleeve for Use with Side Pocket Mandrel

ABSTRACT

For a side pocket mandrel that has a primary flow bore and an offset side pocket, a method for installing a guide sleeve begins with the step of compressing the guide sleeve to reduce an outer diameter of the guide sleeve. The method continues with the step of inserting the guide sleeve into a section of the primary flow bore that has a first inner diameter (D1). The method continues with the steps of allowing the guide sleeve to radially expand such that the outer diameter of the guide sleeve matches the first diameter, pushing the guide sleeve further into the primary flow bore to a guide sleeve section that has a second inner diameter (D2) that is larger than the first inner diameter (D1), and allowing the guide sleeve to radially expand to capture the guide sleeve within the guide sleeve section of the primary flow bore.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of oil and gas production,and more particularly to a gas lift system that incorporates an improvedgas lift module.

BACKGROUND

Gas lift is a technique in which gaseous fluids are injected into thetubing string from the surrounding annulus to reduce the density of theproduced fluids to allow the formation pressure to push the less densemixture to the surface. The gaseous fluids can be injected into theannulus from the surface. A series of gas lift valves allow access fromthe annulus into the production tubing. The gas lift valves can beconfigured to automatically open when the pressure gradient between theannulus and the production tubing exceeds the closing force holding eachgas lift valve in a closed position. In most installations, each of thegas lift mandrels within the gas lift system is deployed above a packeror other zone isolation device to ensure that liquids and wellborefluids do not interfere with the operation of the gas lift valve.Increasing the pressure in the annular space above the packer will forcethe gas lift valves to open, thereby injecting pressured gases into theproduction tubing. The predetermined position of the gas lift valveswithin the production tubing string controls the entry points for gasinto the production string.

To permit the unimpeded production of wellbore fluids through theproduction tubing, the gas lift valves are housed within “side pocketmandrels” that include a valve pocket that is laterally offset from theproduction tubing. Because the gas lift valves are contained in theselaterally offset valve pockets, specialized “kickover” tools arerequired to access the side pocket through the open primary passage ofthe side pocket mandrel. The kickover tool includes alaterally-extending arm that can be deployed to reach into the sidepocket to install or remove a gas lift valve. For the kickover tool tofunction properly, the kickover tool must be rotationally aligned withinthe side pocket mandrel to access the offset side pocket. In the past,guide sleeves have been used to properly position the kickover toolwithin the side pocket mandrel.

The guide sleeve is typically configured as a cylinder that includes adownstream edge that tapers from a leading point to a guide slot. Thekickover tool is inserted through the guide sleeve, and then retractedback through the guide sleeve. As the kickover tool is retracted, a tabon the kickover tool engages the downstream edge of the guide sleeve. Asthe kickover tool continues to retract, the tab on the kickover toolfollows the edge of the guide sleeve, thereby rotating the kickovertool. Once the tab is captured within the alignment slot of the guidesleeve, the kickover tool has been properly rotationally aligned withinthe primary bore of the side pocket mandrel. The kickover tool continuesto be retracted until the tab reaches the end of the slot in the guidesleeve. The kickover tool is then in the proper longitudinal androtational position to deploy the arm for access to the side pocket. Inmost cases, the kickover tool is then lowered back through the guidesleeve with the arm extending down into the side pocket for engagementwith a gas lift valve therein.

In the past, guide sleeves have been welded into the primary bore of theside pocket mandrel, before the mandrel is welded together. Thisrequires a specialized welding fixture and a complicated, time-consumingoperation. Recently, non-welded side pocket mandrels have beenintroduced to the market. In non-welded side pocket mandrels, there isinsufficient access to securely weld the guide sleeve inside the primarybore. There is, therefore, a need for an improved gas lift system thatovercomes these and other deficiencies in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a methodfor installing a guide sleeve within a side pocket mandrel that has aprimary flow bore and an offset side pocket configured to receive aretrievable gas lift valve. The method begins with the step ofcompressing the guide sleeve to reduce an outer diameter of the guidesleeve. The method continues with the step of inserting the guide sleeveinto a section of the primary flow bore that has a first inner diameter(D1). The method continues with the step of allowing the guide sleeve toradially expand such that the outer diameter of the guide sleeve matchesthe first diameter. Next, the method includes the step of pushing theguide sleeve further into the primary flow bore to a guide sleevesection that has a second inner diameter (D2) that is larger than thefirst inner diameter (D1). The method then includes the step of allowingthe guide sleeve to radially expand such that the outer diameter of theguide sleeve matches the second inner diameter (D2) to capture the guidesleeve within the guide sleeve section of the primary flow bore.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a guidesleeve for use within a side pocket mandrel of a gas lift system. Theguide sleeve includes a cylindrical proximal end with a c-shapedcross-section that forms a longitudinal gap in the proximal end thatdefines an alignment slot extending through the proximal end.

In yet another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include aside pocket mandrel for use in a gas lift system. The side pocketmandrel has a central body, a side pocket that is laterally offset fromthe central body, and a primary flow bore that extends through thecentral body. The primary flow bore includes a discharge section thathas a first inner diameter (D1), an inlet section that has a third innerdiameter (D3), and a guide sleeve section between the discharge sectionand the inlet section. The guide sleeve section has a second innerdiameter (D2) that is larger than the first inner diameter (D1) and thethird inner diameter (D3). The side pocket mandrel further includes aguide sleeve installed within the guide sleeve section and a lockingpin. The guide sleeve includes a locking pin aperture. The locking pinextends into the locking pin aperture through the central body and guidesleeve section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a gas lift system deployed in a conventionalwell.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a side pocket mandrelconstructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the guide sleeve from the side pocket mandrelof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the guide sleeve of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a proximal end view of the guide sleeve of FIG. 3 in a firstcompressed state.

FIG. 6 is a proximal end view of the guide sleeve of FIG. 3 in a secondcompressed state.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the side pocket mandrel of FIG. 2 with theguide sleeve installed.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “petroleum” refers broadly to all mineralhydrocarbons, such as crude oil, gas and combinations of oil and gas.The term “fluid” refers generally to both gases and liquids, and“two-phase” or “multiphase” refers to a fluid that includes a mixture ofgases and liquids. “Upstream” and “downstream” can be used as positionalreferences based on the movement of a stream of fluids from an upstreamposition in the wellbore to a downstream position on the surface.Although embodiments of the present invention may be disclosed inconnection with a conventional well that is substantially verticallyoriented, it will be appreciated that embodiments may also find utilityin horizontal, deviated or unconventional wells.

Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is a gas lift system 100 disposed in awell 102. The well 102 includes a casing 104 and a series ofperforations 106 that admit wellbore fluids from a producing geologicformation 108 through the casing 104 into the well 102. An annular space110 is formed between the gas lift system 100 and the casing 104. Thegas lift system 100 is connected to production tubing 112 that conveysproduced wellbore fluids from the formation 108, through the gas liftsystem 100, to a wellhead 114 on the surface.

The gas lift system 100 includes one or more gas lift modules 116. Thegas lift modules 116 each include a side pocket mandrel 118, which maybe connected to a pup joint 120. An inlet pipe 122 extends through oneor more packers 124 into a lower zone of the well 102 closer to theperforations 106. In this way, produced fluids are carried through theinlet pipe 122 into the lowermost (upstream) gas lift module 116. Theproduced fluids are carried through the gas lift system 100 and theproduction tubing 112, which conveys the produced fluids through thewellhead 114 to surface-based storage or processing facilities.

In accordance with well-established gas lift principles, pressurizedfluids or gases are injected from the surface into the annular space 110surrounding the gas lift system 100. When the pressure gradient betweenthe annular space 110 and the production tubing 112 exceeds a thresholdvalue, the gas lift modules 116 admit the pressurized gases into theproduction tubing 112 through the side pocket mandrel 118. Thepressurized gases combine with the produced fluids in the gas liftmodules 116 to reduce the overall density of the fluid, whichfacilitates the recovery of the produced fluids from the well 102. Thegas lift system 100 may find utility in recovering liquid and multiphasehydrocarbons, as well as in unloading water-based fluids from the well102.

Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is a cross-sectional view of an upperportion of the side pocket mandrel 118. The side pocket mandrel 118includes a central body 126 in substantial alignment with the productiontubing 112, and a side pocket 128 that is laterally offset from thecentral body 126. The central body 126 includes a primary flow bore 130and the side pocket 128 includes a gas lift valve receiver 132. The sidepocket 128 can include latching mechanisms (e.g., “RA” and “RK” latches)for securing a gas lift valve 134 within the gas lift valve receiver132. Although the side pocket mandrels 118 disclosed herein arewell-suited for use in producing hydrocarbons through the use of gaslift valves 134, the side pocket mandrels 118 can also be configured toaccept retrievable chemical injection and water injection valves.

The primary flow bore 130 includes a discharge section 136 at adownstream end 138 of the side pocket mandrel 118, and a guide sleevesection 140 that is interior to the discharge section 136. The dischargesection 136 has a first inner diameter (D1) and the guide sleeve section140 that has a second inner diameter (D2). The second inner diameter(D2) of the guide sleeve section 138 is slightly larger than the firstinner diameter (D1). An inlet section 142 of the side pocket mandrel 118is proximate an upstream end 144 of the side pocket mandrel. The inletsection 142 may have a third inner diameter (D3) that is smaller thanthe second inner diameter (D2). In some embodiments, the third innerdiameter (D3) and the first inner diameter (D1) are substantially thesame.

The side pocket mandrel 118 includes an internal guide sleeve 144 thatis captured within the guide sleeve section 140 of the primary flow bore130. The guide sleeve 144 is generally configured to interact with a“kickover” tool for installing and removing the gas lift valve 134within the gas lift valve receiver 132 in the side pocket 128. Unlikeprior art side pocket mandrels, the guide sleeve 144 is not weldedinside the primary flow bore 130 of the side pocket mandrel 118.Instead, the guide sleeve 144 is designed to be inserted into theprimary flow bore 130 of the side pocket mandrel 118 and retained inposition with a locking pin 146.

As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the guide sleeve 144 is substantially cylindricaland has a “c-shaped” cross-section at a proximal end 148, where thelongitudinal gap in the guide sleeve 144 defines an alignment slot 150.Moving in a distal, upstream direction the alignment slot 150 broadensinto a contoured leading edge 152 to a distal end 154. A locking pinaperture 156 is disposed through the guide sleeve 144 near the proximalend 148. The guide sleeve 144 is manufactured from a metal or durablesynthetic composite material that exhibits a limited degree of resilientflexibility. In a relaxed state, the proximal end 148 of the guidesleeve has an outer diameter (D4) that is larger than the first diameter(D1) and second diameter (D2) of the primary flow bore 130. In this way,the “c-shaped” cross-section of the proximal end 148 of the guide sleeve144 exhibits a spring force that resists radial compression of the guidesleeve 144.

The outward spring force of the guide sleeve 144 causes the guide sleeve144 to radially expand outward to match the inner diameter of theprimary flow bore 130. During installation, the guide sleeve 144 must beradially compressed such that its outer diameter is substantially thesame as the first inner diameter (D1) in the discharge section 136 ofthe primary flow bore 130 (as shown in FIG. 5). An external ring clamp(not shown) can be used to radially compress the guide sleeve 144 beforeinstallation. As the compressed guide sleeve 144 is advanced within theside pocket mandrel 118, the guide sleeve 144 passes into the guidesleeve section 140, where the larger second diameter (D2) allows theguide sleeve 144 to radially expand. The spring-based expansion of theguide sleeve 144 within the guide sleeve section 140 between the smallerdiameters D1 and D3 of the discharge section 136 and inlet section 142locks the longitudinal position of the guide sleeve 144 within the guidesleeve section 140. Within the larger diameter of the guide sleevesection 140, the guide sleeve 144 expands such that it has an outerdiameter that is substantially the same as the second inner diameter(D2) (as shown in FIG. 6).

With the longitudinal position of the guide sleeve 144 set within theguide sleeve section 140, the rotational position of the guide sleeve144 can be correctly oriented. The guide sleeve 144 can be rotated alongthe longitudinal axis running through the center of the primary bore 130until the locking pin 146 is captured within the locking pin aperture156. In some embodiments, the locking pin 146 includes threaded head158, an extensible tip 160, and a pin spring 162 captured between theextensible tip 160 and the threaded head 158. The locking pin 146 isthreaded into an externally accessible locking pin bore 164 in the sidepocket mandrel 118. When the locking pin 146 is installed within thelocking pin bore 164, the extensible tip 160 extends into the guidesleeve section 140 of the primary flow bore 130. The extensible tip 160may have a rounded distal end. In other embodiments, the locking pin 146makes use of a compressive head 158 that secures the locking pin 146within the locking pin bore 164 without the use of a threaded interface.In these embodiments, the compressive head 158 exerts an outwardlydirected radial force that creates a pressure seal between the head 158and the locking pin bore 164.

As the guide sleeve 144 is inserted into the guide sleeve section 140,the leading edge 152 of the guide sleeve 144 depresses the extensibletip 160 against the force exerted by the pin spring 162. When the guidesleeve 144 has been rotated into the proper rotational alignment withinthe guide sleeve section 140, the extensible tip 160 of the locking pin146 mates with the locking pin aperture 156 of the guide sleeve 144. Thepin spring 162 forces the extensible tip 160 into the locking pinaperture 156 to prevent the further rotation of the guide sleeve 144within the guide sleeve section 140.

To remove the guide sleeve 144 from the side pocket mandrel, the lockingpin 146 must be removed from the side pocket mandrel 118. A tool canthen be inserted through the locking pin bore 164 to apply a compressiveforce to the guide sleeve 144. When the guide sleeve 144 has beensufficiently compressed to pass through the discharge section 136 orinlet section 142, a pusher tool can be inserted into the primary flowbore 130 to engage the guide sleeve 144 to push the guide sleeve in itscompressed state out of the guide sleeve section 140, so that it can beremoved from the side pocket mandrel 118 through either the inletsection 142 or discharge section 136.

In exemplary embodiments, the guide sleeve 144 is installed within theside pocket mandrel 118 by first compressing the guide sleeve 144 suchthat its outer diameter is nominally less than the first diameter (D1)of the discharge section 136 of the primary flow bore 130. In otherembodiments, the guide sleeve 144 is compressed and then inserted intothe inlet section 142 of the primary flow bore 130. In eitherembodiment, the external compressive force applied to the guide sleeve144 is removed such that the guide sleeve 144 radially expands to matchthe inner diameter D1, D3 of the discharge section 136 or inlet section142. In this position, the guide sleeve 144 exerts an outward springforce against the interior of the primary flow bore 130.

Once the guide sleeve 144 is inside the primary flow bore 130, it isadvanced into the guide sleeve section 140, where the guide sleeve 144expands again to match the large second diameter (D2) of the guidesleeve section 140. This fixes the longitudinal position of the expandedguide sleeve 144 within the primary flow bore 130 between the inletsection 142 and the discharge section 136. The external surface of theguide sleeve 114 depresses the spring-loaded extensible tip 160 of thelocking pin 146.

Next, the guide sleeve 144 is rotated within the guide sleeve section140 with an external tool until the locking pin aperture 156 and lockingpin 146 are aligned. The pin spring 162 then forces the extensible tip160 into the locking pin aperture 156 to prevent further rotation of theguide sleeve 144. The guide sleeve 144 is now in proper position toguide the operation of a kickover tool when the side pocket mandrel isdeployed within the well 102.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and functions of various embodiments of the invention, thisdisclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail,especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within theprinciples of the present invention to the full extent indicated by thebroad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims areexpressed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theteachings of the present invention can be applied to other systemswithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for installing a guide sleeve into aside pocket mandrel that has a primary flow bore and an offset sidepocket configured to receive a retrievable valve, the method comprisingthe steps of: compressing the guide sleeve to reduce an outer diameterof the guide sleeve; inserting the guide sleeve into a section of theprimary flow bore that has a first inner diameter (D1); allowing theguide sleeve to radially expand such that the outer diameter of theguide sleeve matches the first diameter; pushing the guide sleevefurther into the primary flow bore to a guide sleeve section that has asecond inner diameter (D2) that is larger than the first inner diameter(D1); allowing the guide sleeve to radially expand such that the outerdiameter of the guide sleeve matches the second inner diameter (D2) tocapture the guide sleeve within the guide sleeve section of the primaryflow bore.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step ofrotating the guide sleeve within the guide sleeve section along alongitudinal axis extending through the center of the primary flow bore.3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of aligning theguide sleeve with a locking pin extending through the side pocketmandrel into the guide sleeve section.
 4. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising the step of receiving in a locking pin aperture within theguide sleeve an extensible tip of the locking pin to prevent the guidesleeve from further rotation.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the stepof compressing the guide sleeve further comprises using an external ringclamp to apply an external compressive force to the guide sleeve.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of inserting the guide sleeve intothe section of the primary flow bore that has a first inner diameter(D1) comprises inserting the guide sleeve into a discharge section ofthe primary flow bore.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofinserting the guide sleeve into the section of the primary flow borethat has a first inner diameter (D1) comprises inserting the guidesleeve into an inlet section of the primary flow bore.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the step of pushing the guide sleeve further into theprimary flow bore to the guide sleeve section comprises pushing theguide sleeve further into the primary flow bore to the guide sleevesection between a discharge section and an inlet section, wherein theguide sleeve section has an inner diameter that is larger than the innerdiameter of the inlet section and the discharge section.
 9. A guidesleeve for use within a side pocket mandrel of a gas lift system, theguide sleeve comprising a cylindrical proximal end with a c-shapedcross-section that forms a longitudinal gap in the proximal end thatdefines an alignment slot extending through the proximal end.
 10. Theguide sleeve of claim 9, further comprising a locking pin aperture thatextends through the proximal end of the guide sleeve.
 11. The guidesleeve of claim 9, wherein the alignment slot broadens into a contouredleading edge that extends to a distal end.
 12. The guide sleeve of claim9, wherein the guide sleeve is manufactured from a material thatexhibits resilient flexibility.
 13. A side pocket mandrel for use in agas lift or chemical injection system, the side pocket mandrelcomprising: a central body; a side pocket that is laterally offset fromthe central body; a primary flow bore that extends through the centralbody, wherein the primary flow bore comprises: a discharge section thathas a first inner diameter (D1); an inlet section that has a third innerdiameter (D3); and a guide sleeve section between the discharge sectionand the inlet section, wherein the guide sleeve section has a secondinner diameter (D2) that is larger than the first inner diameter (D1)and the third inner diameter (D3); a guide sleeve installed within theguide sleeve section, wherein the guide sleeve includes a locking pinaperture; and a locking pin, wherein the locking pin extends into thelocking pin aperture through the central body and guide sleeve section.14. The side pocket mandrel of claim 13, wherein the guide sleevecomprises a cylindrical proximal end with a c-shaped cross-section thatforms a longitudinal gap in the proximal end that defines an alignmentslot extending through the proximal end.
 15. The side pocket mandrel ofclaim 14, wherein the guide sleeve is manufactured from a material thatexhibits resilient flexibility.
 16. The side pocket mandrel of claim 15,wherein the locking pin comprises: a threaded head; an extensible tip;and a pin spring between the threaded head and the extensible tip. 17.The side pocket mandrel of claim 16, wherein a length of the guidesleeve is less than a length of the guide sleeve section.
 18. The sidepocket mandrel of claim 15, wherein the locking pin comprises: acompressive head; an extensible tip; and a pin spring between thethreaded head and the extensible tip.